Compile#16 June 27-28 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into The Breach Day: 4 Stardate: 2414.01.18 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1012) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1017) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1024) (Runabout Lorimar- LT Chance Raschen, LMaj Brandy Shea- 1057) (Runabout Lorimar, ATT Cmdr Matthew McLaren- Day 4, 1130) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1131) (Runabout Lorimar- Lt Chance Raschen- 1135) (Runabout Lorimar - Main Cabin - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1140) (USS Rosenante - Bridge 2O/COPS Lt Thomas J. Jackson - Day 4 - 1142) (Runabout Lorimar - Main Cabin - Borg Drone - 4 of 6 - 1143) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1144) (USS Rosenante, Deck 11 - Primary Computer Core , CEO, Lt. Matrix, 1144.5*) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1145) (Runabout Lorimar - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 1146) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma-1147) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 1148) (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1149*) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, 2O/COPS Lieutenant Tom Jackson -1151 Day 4) (USS Rosenante, Main Engineering - CEO, Lt. Matrix, 1152*) (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1153) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1155) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1156*) (Runabout Lorimar - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 1157*) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1158) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1158.5) (Runabout Lorimar- Lt Chance Raschen- 1159) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2O / COPS, Day 4 1201) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room , Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1205) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room , Lieutenant Tom Jackson, Day 4 1209) (USS Rosenante, Transporter Room 2, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1210*) (Runabout Lorimar - Ensign Maria Holly - Day 4 1211) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1012) The discussion concluded. Ahmed was not convinced that Trei was all there. Something about his words and actions warned Ahmed that the Half-Klingon was mentally unstable. "With your permission, sir?" Ahmed nodded. "Of course, captain." He replied. Durand turned to Signos "Ensign, kindly escort Mister Trei to Sickbay. I want him under armed guard at all times. He will undergo a complete examination. I'll give the medical staff specific instruction to that end. I'd also ask that you explain to the physician in charge what you've witnessed here. If you have any questions contact me directly. No one may countermand these orders, save myself or Captain Salid. Understood?" (Reply Signos) As Trei and his escort departed, Durand tapped his commbadge. "Captain Durand to Doctor Candle." =^= Sir, how may I help you?=^= "Doctor, I have an important assignment for you. Commander Caskie is committed on the Battle Bridge, so I need you to act in her stead. Lieutenant Trei is en route to Sickbay under escort. I need you and/or your staff to perform a complete physical and psychological examination on him as soon as possible. Report the results to me at your earliest opportunity." =^=A complete physical and psychological exam, sir, are you …=^= The Doctor replied in a tone that was nearly insubordinate. Apparently he realized his mistake and changed tack. =^=.... certainly but it will take .. a while for the results=^= "Very well Doctor, I understand this is unusual and the timing is no doubt awkward, but I wouldn't take these actions if they were not absolutely necessary. Thank you for your cooperation." A moment later Durand closed the channel to sickbay and opened one to engineering. Having addressed that, he needed another answer. "Durand to engineering," he began quietly. "Have you made any progress in your investigation thus far? Have you determined how our Mister Trei was able to access the holodeck under the alert condition?" "Yes sir, actually I have a report ready for your review." (reply Durand) =^=Apparently he still posses the necessary security command codes to allow him to reroute power to the holodeck. Because he has access to these commands no alerts sounded for unauthorized access. The program he was running coupled with his empathic abilities actual made the contact possible. Whatever he was doing in the holodeck actually magnified his abilities.=^= (reply Durand) =^=The computer actually logged the telepathic spike readings in his cerebral cortex during the established contact period. This may be beneficial in the future, essentially we know what frequency necessary for contact. This may be useful for an attack if all else fails.=^= (reply Durand) Once that channel was closed Durand turned back to Salid. "Sir, will there be anything else for the moment?" "Just a question captain." Ahmed asked, "Are you, in fact, in command of your crew? You have an officer that has endangered the mission, and a Medical officer that seems to border on the insubordinate." Durand stiffened into to rigid attention, and replied, "Captain, I take full responsibility of course for the conduct of my subordinates. I have no excuse, nor do I make any justification for his compromise of communication security. I submit myself to your discretion for whatever disciplinary action you see fit. I shall accept any reprimand you feel appropriate, sir." Ahmed scrutinized the Captain standing before him. He could see the pressure that this situation was etching into his face. "We'll discuss that at a later time captain. For now, watch Trei, He's a danger to this mission. he's capable of causing a great deal more damage going forward." he replied. "As for your crew. I recommend that you reign in any insubordinate behavior quickly commander. Once we're engaged with the Borg, it can fester into outright mutiny. I've seen it before. I'm sure you have an excellent crew. The Boudicca is one of the jewels of the Fleet. She just needs a little polish. I have no doubt in your command abilities. Men with greater experience than I placed you here captain. I know you've got what it takes. Let's just hope you realize it before it's too late." Ahmed smiled. "I need to get back to the Rosenante. Get yourself prepared, I have a feeling things are going to get very active for us both." (reply Durand) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1017) She gave only a nod before stepping aside, to allow for Trei to exit the observation lounge and still keep bead on him with her phaser rifle. "Team Theata316, prisoner escort to Med Bay then to the Brig." She whispered into the mic on her tactical circlet. "Mr. Trei,if you would be so kind." She motioned to the door, and waited for the former TAC/SC to proceed out the door way. The security officers of Theata316, took there positions for the prisoner escort. The door slid open the two guards on the out side took up the front two corners of the box. The two guards with in the observation lounge took up the rear two corners of the box. Jessica, stayed outside the box where she could see and keep track of everything and everyone. If Trei made a wrong move it would be three phaser's into his back. With everyone in position they made there way to the Medical bay. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1024) The door to medical slide open and the escorting officers took there position at the door, has Jessica escorted Trei into the medical bay main area. Jessica noticed Dr. Basil seemed to be expecting them, has he smiled at her. “Take him over to the biobed .. Umm sorry I don’t think we’ve met have we?” Dr. Basil asked. "No we haven't, I'm Ensign Jessica Signos, I try to avoid Medical. No offense." Jessica responded in a quick greeting. Before getting done to business, "By now I'm sure our good Captain has told you want he wants; a full medical and psych. evaluation." She handed him the data chip from her circlet, this should bring you up to speed on everything that I have seen from him being taken into custody to entering medical. It should help in building a psych. profile with out having my personal feelings that a report might would have." Anyway, what sort of precautions do you want to take with your …..prisoner?” Basil asked. "I was just getting to that," She continued. "He is to be under armed guard at all times, we will do what is needed to stay out of your way but we must do what is needed to ensure the tactical stability of the situation." (reply Basil) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar- LT Chance Raschen, LMaj Brandy Shea- 1057) Brandy turned to look at Lorimar when he called to her "Shea, plot an escape course. Any heading... the instant we break that tractor lock -- if we break it --, get us oot the range o' that bloody Borg ship. I dinnae care about safety limits, acceleration protocols, shearing forces... just get us oot of here if the opportunity presents itself." Shea had found herself getting frustrated. She had no problems with scientists and engineers being in command as long as it was that kind of mission; but it wasn't and you could tell what she thought of the situation by the tone of her voice "What the hell do you think I'm working on!" Just then Raschen raised his voice "MAJOR SHEA! No need for any lip; just make it happen." Shea turned back to the helm "roger that skipper." (Reply any iyw) Lorimar was still thinking more rapidly than he could get the words out, and started to theorize out loud. "It stands tae reason that superiour technology or not, that tractor beam cannae have as much angular cohesion and resistance tae shearing forces that it would at a more normal range. Might we disrupt it somehow? Just break the lock long enough tae get away? What about a static warp field? Inverted shield harmonics? There's got tae be a way tae break the lock... Anyone wie ideas I want tae hear them now!" The former privateer captain turned to the commander of the away mission "SIR!" Raschen shouted to get Lorimar's attention. (Reply Lorimar) "I've gotten outta situations like this before. Give me control of the helm. I got an idea." (Reply Lorimar, Any/All) (Posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar, ATT Cmdr Matthew McLaren- Day 4, 1130) The Runabout shuddered in a way that was more reminiscent of an impact than being grabbed by a tractor beam. The smaller vessel jolted so hard that Matthew was almost thrown from his seat. "Commander we have been tractored by the Borg pyramid" Maria reported rather loudly. Matthew's Blood all but froze in his veins. ~Good God, no!~ he wanted to scream. It's a coherent Graviton beam, rated at around 60,000 Cochrane's in power output." Matthew added, knowing that that sort of power output could manhandle either the Boudicca or the Rosenante at this range with little difficulty. "Holly, let's get to work on those shields. You start rotating the shields on a random setting." he suggested. "Andrew, shields are down" she replied after a glance at her console. "What?! Our shields aren't up?" he paused only briefly and came up with an answer. "I can't initiate a cohesive defensive screen. There's too much residual interference from the graviton beam to raise shields. Matthew added. "Polarize the hull plating!" Maddox said snapping his fingers the moment he said it. Maria began transferring ionized energy to the hull waveguides. There was a series of sparks that made their way through the small cabin as some of the smaller systems overloaded in the ionization of the Runabout's hull. The smell of burnt insulation and fear was beginning to permeate the small compartment. "No effect, Hull polarized at 80%. The beam is still holding us tightly!" Matthew reported. "Commander, we're shaking ourselves to bits." Maria Continued, "I am re-routing transporter power to the structural integrity fields. Hopefully that will prevent us from sucking in cosmic dust" the scientist added dryly. "Right. Launch that comm. beacon right now! The torpedo launch initiator should have mair then enough power tae kick it free of that tractor beam's radius of annular confinement. Get it launched wie whatever information we hae so far." Lorimar Ordered. “Coordinates set, sir. Launching probe!” Romanoff sounded off. “Keep an eye on the probe, lay down some cover fire if necessary, we need to make sure the probe makes it out to the ships.” "There's no available power to transfer to weapons." Matthew warned. "Commander, bring the warp reactor and the auxiliaries tae maximum power, standby tae divert all power tae the shields, and then the engines if we can break the lock." "Aye, sir!" Matthew replied as his hands flew across the keys on his console, reinitiating the shuttles Warp Core which was in standby mode. The lighting in the cabin flickered and grew brighter as the ship's power relays transferred to the primary circuits. "Warp core now on-line." He reported his progress as he tapped in the commands. "Shields are still unable to gain cohesion. The graviton field is interfering." "The probe is working and sending data back to the ships," he reported. "It's getting data off the sphere, the drones on the surface, the cube...and the Pyramid that's tractoring us in." Willowbrook reported. "Shea, plot an escape course." Lorimar continued." Any heading... the instant we break that tractor lock -- if we break it --, get us oot the range o' that bloody Borg ship. I dinnae care about safety limits, acceleration protocols, shearing forces... just get us oot of here if the opportunity presents itself." "What the hell do you think I'm working on!" Shea replied Just then Raschen raised his voice "MAJOR SHEA! No need for any lip; just make it happen." Shea turned back to the helm "roger that skipper." "It stands tae reason that superior technology or not, that tractor beam cannae have as much angular cohesion and resistance tae shearing forces that it would at a more normal range. Might we disrupt it somehow? Just break the lock long enough tae get away? What about a static warp field? Inverted shield harmonics? There's got tae be a way tae break the lock... Anyone wie ideas I want tae hear them now!" The former privateer captain turned to the commander of the away mission "SIR!" Raschen shouted to get Lorimar's attention. (Reply Lorimar) "I've gotten outta situations like this before. Give me control of the helm. I got an idea." "Sir!" Maria said excitedly. "A probe has been launched. It appears designed to strike to tractor beam." Not half a second later, the Runabout lurched as the probe passed between the tractor beam emitter and the runabout. The smaller vessel's engines already wound up to resist the force of the beam as much as possible, suddenly found themselves free of the beam's powerful pull. If only for an instant. The acceleration was so sudden and so far beyond the abilities of the runabout's space frame that the Structural integrity field's already straining to maintain cohesion overloaded in a series of brilliant pops, as consoles, and relays gave under the sudden influx of power. A power cascade began then, knocking out some of the ship's systems so quickly that Matthew barely had a chance to acknowledge that they were gone. "Primary portside EPS conduit has burned out." He called, "Structural integrity field is barely functional! Shields are on-line at 12%" (reply Any) Then the small runabout, rocked again, this time it was a Borg weapon's discharge. The weapon knocked out their shields. "Direct hit to the shield generators! They are off-line!" He called, and then the ship, was jerked again as the Borg Pyramid tried to tractor the runabout a second time. This time however, the smaller vessel was at the end of their range, they only got a partial lock, which jerked the ship into a flat spin. Matthew was pressed against his console hard enough to bruise his ribs, as O'Shae struggled to regain control of the wildly spinning ship. More than half of the shuttles compensators, thrusters and other flight related hardware was off line, as were the shields. Suddenly an escalating hum filled the compartment. Matthew's eye's almost bulged as a group of six Borg drones appeared on the deck of the runabout. "Drones!" he called and grabbed for his phaser. He started to raise it but his movement was hindered by a downward chop from one of the Drones. His sidearm discharged, into the console across from him, sending a shower of sparks up into the compartment. Matthew tumbled from his chair just as the Drone slammed a cybernetic arm into the console there. If He had been sitting in his seat the blow would have probably killed him. He raised his phaser and fired. A beam caught the Drone under the chin, and dropped him like a sack of rocks to the deck. Matthew spun forward, where a Drone was advancing on his good friend Lorimar. He raised his weapon again and fired. A shimmering field of energy appeared around the Drone as the beam reached towards him. "They've adapted!" Matthew took three large steps and threw himself with all his might against the midsection of the Borg Drone. He had played American Style football in school, he knew how to sack a quarterback. He struck the cybernetic organism in the normally soft portion of his side. Staggering him with the force of the blow, although the Borg did not seem injured by the impact. The two ended up against the bulkhead, with the Drone being temporarily pinned by the Engineer. But that situation didn't last long. There was simply too much going on to stay away of everything. A cybernetic hand grabbed him at the front of his throat and lifted Matthew McLaren from the deck. The Borg took two steps, and then moved his other arm towards the Engineer's throat. "Bob!" Matthew croaked through his constricted airways as the assimilation tubules penetrated the flesh of his neck at the jugular vein. There was pain, complete and total pain, it was as if every cell in his body were being rebuilt without anesthetic. Matthew couldn't call out. He couldn't say anything. All he could do was stand rigidly still as the Borg transport beam dematerialized his body. (REPLY: ALL ON RUNABOUT) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1131) "Eian, how are you doing?" Lt. Jackson's voice broke through Eian's thoughts and he answered, without looking up, "All Bridge engineering systems at full capacity, Sir." Then he paused, and looked up. He realized from Jackson's tone of voice and that he wasn't asking about the Bridge engineering systems. A glance at the man's facial expression confirmed his suspicion. He decided to answer honestly. "I've said a lot of prayers for us, Sir." (reply Jackson) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar- Lt Chance Raschen- 1135) "...Structural integrity field is barely functional! Shields are on-line at 12%" "I'm attempting to re-route power to the shields." Raschen announced. Then the small runabout, rocked again, this time it was a Borg weapon's discharge and their shields were no more. "Direct hit to the shield generators! They are off-line!" McLaren called, and then the ship, was jerked again as the Borg Pyramid tried to tractor the runabout a second time. This time however, the smaller vessel was at the end of their range, they only got a partial lock, which jerked the ship into a flat spin. "Set a collision course with the planet surface; Ramming speed!" Chance ordered the helm. Without question Brandy did as Raschen said, and as she worked the helm controls replied saying "On It.". More than half of the shuttles compensators, thrusters and other flight related hardware was off line, as were the shields. Suddenly an escalating hum filled the compartment as a group of six Borg drones appeared on the deck of the runabout. "Drones!" McLaren called and grabbed for his phaser. He raised his phaser and fired. A beam caught the Drone under the chin, and dropped him like a sack of rocks to the deck. Matthew spun forward, where a Drone was advancing and raised his weapon again and fired. A shimmering field of energy appeared around the Drone as the beam reached towards him. "They've adapted!" Matthew threw himself against the midsection of one of the Borg Drones. He had playing American Style football and was sacking a quarterback. The two ended up against the bulkhead, with the Drone being temporarily pinned by the Engineer. Then suddenly, a cybernetic hand grabbed him at the front of his throat and lifted Matthew McLaren from the deck. The Borg moved towards the Engineer; "Bob!" McLaren croaked through his constricted airways as the assimilation tubules penetrated the flesh of his neck at the jugular vein. Then he couldn't say anything. It looked as if all Matt could do was stand rigidly still as the Borg transport beam dematerialized his body. It seemed like the Drones were everywhere. Every shot he lined up, one of his ship mates got in the damn way. By the time he finally got a clear shot, the borg had adapted to the frequencies of his 2 phasers. Just then he saw one of the droned head toward Holly and another toward Shea. ~Starfleet tactics be damned~ Chance thought as he pulled both of his personal disruptor pistols. Pointing one at each of the 2 Drones he had in his sights and pulled both triggers at the same time. ~Thank you God~ Raschen thought as both drones he shot dropped like a sack of potatoes, dead. (Reply Holly iyw) Suddenly, the artificial gravity went out on the runabout as Shea reported "Hold on to your @$$ cause this is gonna hurt!" Chance looked out the front windshield and watched as the planet rushed up to meet them. The color left his face. The Borg Drones took their assimilated 'victims' and beamed safely off the small ship just before it leveled off and crashed onto the surface of the planet. (Reply Holly, any) Posted by Charlie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Main Cabin - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1140) The runabout was total chaos, and that was before the drones beamed on board. Andrew's eyes grew wide as saucers in reaction to the fear and near total shock. The whine of phaser fire jerked him out of his combat-catatonic state. ~Think man, make these Borg wish they would have succeeded assimilating sector 001.~ Maddox drew his tricorder with his left hand and his phaser with his right. He started the most intensive scan he could muster and picked the closest drone, he fired his phaser at a lethal setting. The drone collapsed to the ground as expected. His tricorder picked up the Borg transport beam before his eyes saw McLaren dematerialize. He fired at another drone, again the closest one. It had adapted quickly to the phaser fire as a shimmering green shield intercepted the phaser beam rendering the shot harmless. ~Shields!~ He thought quickly. He used his tricorder to access the medical quarantine protocols on the runabout. The drone he fired at lumbered toward him like the cybernetic zombie that it was. Maddox started walking backwards through the main compartment to buy time for his plan to work. ~Observe, theorize, experiment, observe, hypothesize, experiment, observe... almost there.~ he thought to himself as he worked. If he was going down, he was going down as a scientist. The drone paused for a moment. Maddox observed as he was placing the final variables in his equation. The Borg seemed to be scanning. "Scan this you walking scrap heap! Humans can adapt too!" he screamed just after he finished the sequence, he pressed the command button. The quarantine fields activated augmented with power from the port lateral phaser array. The fields focused on the drone's field coil emitter at just the right frequency with way too much power. The resulting energy burst fried all the Borg's systems. The energy release also traumatically amputated his left leg at the hip and his left arm at the mid humerus. Sparks issued from the field emitters on the port side. Half the medical quarantine fields were now fried beyond casual repair. White smoke from several panels began filling the cabin. Maddox began working his way to the front to see what help he could provide. (Reply any in runabout) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge 2O/COPS Lt Thomas J. Jackson - Day 4 - 1142) "Eian, I appreciate your prayers. It never hurts to ask for divine help" Tom speaking softly so only Eian could hear. (Reply: Eian) Tom Jackson went on speaking softly to the younger man. Placing a hand on his crew mate's shoulder and said "God willing we will prevail. We have the best people in SF command, the best gear and we have right on our side" Tom added. (Reply: Eian) Smiling Tom added "besides if my wife and I are blessed with kids, the kids will need an uncle. So consider this an order - you are to survive - understood?" Jackson added. (Reply: Eian) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Main Cabin - Borg Drone - 4 of 6 - 1143) The drone designated Fourth of Six had a specific function on this mission it was his to determine if anything was worthy of assimilation on this smaller Federation Craft. One of the other drones had already assimilated one of the command crew. His thought processes and biological distinctiveness would contribute to the missions' success. He began scanning the systems of the craft. It was a design that the collective was not familiar with. It had many system upgrades and an adaptability not unlike the Borg themselves. His attention was caught when his personal shield was activated by directed energy fire. The group had already adapted, but hostility was always something that needed to be addressed. He turned and faced the lone humanoid firing at him. The male was slowly walking away. A realization, the Borg's scanning processes picked up something that wasn't as it seemed. {{Analyze.}} ordered the collective will. ~The life-form. It's here.~ {{Assimilate.}} {{Analyze, then assimilate.}} Equal numbers of Borg were at odds about how exactly to proceed, Fourth picked up on this and did the only action that all agreed on, he scanned and analyzed slowly covering the distance between him and the lone anomaly among the Star Fleet crew. As he scanned information flowed between him and the collective. {{ Artificial with biological components. }} {{ Positronic net. }} {{ Low physical threshold, high mental capacity.}} {{ Self masking sub-routines and sensor blocks detected.}} {{ It doesn't know.}} "Scan this you walking scrap heap! Humans can adapt too!" it screamed in defiance. {{ Warning substantial energy surge detected. }} {{Adapt.}} {{End transmission.}} (Reply Volus if desired, otherwise, none) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1144) "Eian, I appreciate your prayers. It never hurts to ask for divine help" Tom said, speaking softly so only Eian could hear. Eian nodded and replied, equally quietly, "And sometimes it seems like the only thing you can do." It was the truth--they had prepared as much as they could. He had assumed that everyone on both ships would do their job to the best of their ability, but no one could have predicted the treason that had already jeopardized their slim chances of success. He would stand at his station and he would do his duty, he would fight the Borg with his phaser, hand-to-hand, or with tooth and nail if he had to. Now prayer really was the only thing left that he could do. Tom placed his hand on Eian's shoulder and said, "God willing we will prevail. We have the best people in SF command, the best gear and we have right on our side" Tom added. ~Being right doesn't do much good when your enemy still thinks you're wrong,~ he couldn't help but think. But he didn't say that. Instead, he gave Tom an affirming nod and a small smile. Tom smiled back. "Besides, if my wife and I are blessed with kids, the kids will need an uncle. So consider this an order - you are to survive - understood?" Jackson added. Eian's smile broadened. "Understood, Sir." The will to live was strong in him. He would stay alive not just for himself, but for Tom's kids and for his father and brother. He had seen his father age in the past two years since his mother's death...he could only imagine what his death would do to the man. His brother was going to the Academy, and Tom's future kids were somewhere in heaven, he thought, just waiting for their first hockey lesson courtesy of their Uncle Eian. None of that would come to pass if the Borg were successful. ~But what will I do if I'm in danger of being assimilated?~ The question had crossed his mind so many times in the past few days that he thought by now he should have an answer. But in reality, it was far too complex an issue. If he was in immediate danger of being assimilated, he wouldn't have time to react. And if he wasn't, then it wouldn't be wise to terminate himself before that time, as the possibility of success was still open. He had to trust in God. Looking at Tom's expression, and catching the apprehensive expressions of those around him, he felt strangely and suddenly at peace. ~God will see us through,~ he thought. He became convinced that whatever happened would not only be his God's will, but also the ultimate good. ~I could still die, I could still be assimilated, but God will never leave me.~ It was times like these, unpredictable in every way, that Eian felt his God's presence stronger than ever. He was convinced that not only would they be led down the right path, but that he would prevail. ~I will prevail.~ (reply Jackson iyw) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 11 - Primary Computer Core , CEO, Lt. Matrix, 1144.5*) Matrix and Crewman Fiocchi were wrapping up a module upgrade on the primary computer core. The process wasn't difficult, but rather lengthy due to the checks and cross-checks required to ensure that a new processing module was working properly. The SFR operating system was simply an incredible OS, one that Matrix would like to spend more time learning. Still his appreciation of the complexities of the entire ship's systems were amplified each time he got to work. "Okay Miss Fiocchi...that should wrap things up." Matrix leaned forward to look at the diagnostics display. "Good...that looks good. Bring up the schematic view of the processor." said Matrix. The display showed optimal data flow in a color coded, real-time matrix. CPO Fiocchi was an expert in her field and her ability to troubleshoot and install anything related to computational systems was respected onboard the Rosenante. As a result most of the engineering and operations officers often requested the 24 year old for various tasks aboard ship. "There...all diagnostics completed sir...just as I suspected. First time, every time." she said with a grin. Matrix smiled back. "I had no doubt chief, but that seems to be your motto. Lets pack up and head back to engineering and rebalance the processor cores. I'll leave that to you. I need to meet with Lieutenant Cohen shortly." said Matrix as he stood up and adjusted his uniform. "Yes sir. Thanks for your help sir." replied Fiocchi. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1145) Sanok and Ahmed had taken a brief walk through the Boudicca on their way to the Transporter room. The captain of the Rosenante wishing to judge the condition and morale of the Boudicca crew firsthand without the Boudicca's captain being present. He was satisfied that the incident with Trei and the insubordination of candle seemed isolated to those two officers. The rest of the Boudicca crew seemed primed for action, although a degree of tension was present in them. After they had reached the Transporter room, they had beamed back home where Dawson had greeted them with his usual smile, hiding his own worries about the Borg. The Two Officers had then made their way to the bridge. As the Turbo lift doors slid open, Ahmed was surprised to see Sullivan sitting in the center chair while Jackson was once again back at his operations post. It wasn't a bad thing per se, it was simply un expected. "Mister Soma," he said as he stepped onto the bridge, "What's the tactical situation?" NRPG: This is where I need to find out about the Runabout. (reply Soma) He turned to Jackson, "Mister Jackson, Do we have a status on the Runabout then? Where is she and what is her status?" (reply Jackson) NRPG: By this time they should be crashed on the planet somewhere not too far from the Borg's site. He turned to Sullivan, "Anything else to report commander? Any other detectable change in the Borg's activities." (reply Sullivan) Ahmed stepped up behind Lieutenant Yalix who was manning the Helm and regarded the view screen for a moment as he thought. "Mister Sanok. I want you to assemble a rescue and recovery team. Yourself, Candle, Ichijo, O'Neill, and any other security you deem necessary. You'll have to insert via shuttlecraft, the interference is still too great to use transporters. I want your team briefed and ready to move inside twenty-five minutes. You'll be in command. Time is essential." (reply Sanok) "Mister Soma. I want you to coordinate with Jacobs on the Boudicca. Commander Lorimar was building an antimatter mine. I want you, Jacobs, Signos, Jackson, Matrix, Narvak, Caliel and any other personnel you deem necessary to prepare an operation to destroy the object of the Borg's attention. Once we have the away team recovered or determined that they are non-recoverable, Your team will be deploying the antimatter mine to destroy the Tkon sphere. We'll need to time it closely so you're team will need to be on the ground at the same time that the Rescue team is underway. You'll be in command of that team. I will give Mister Jackson the Arming codes. You'll have to use a runabout as well, but you'll need to use the Lorimar on the Boudicca. It's the only one big enough to move the Mine safely." (reply Soma, Sanok, Sullivan, Any) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 1146) Things were spiraling out of control. First, the tractor beam; the flurry of orders, exchange of ideas and no small measure of excitement and emotion. A real command officer would *never* tolerate the level of interplay and confusion... but then, a real command officer would *never* need to do so. The fact of the matter was, they didn’t have one. They had Bob Lorimar, whom none would mistake for a commander. All of these things and so very much more flashed through his mind as they collectively fought to free themselves from the predicament. Sometimes, deliverance comes from without. Someone -- from either the Boudicca or the Rosenante, there was no way to immediately determine -- had detected the runabout’s predicament and launched something -- a probe, as reported by Ensign Holly -- and somehow managed to disrupt the Borg tractor beam just long enough for the little craft to break free. As it happened, they were all jostled badly. The ship’s engines were winding at more than maximum power, and the sudden change in flight dynamics when the tractor beam was interrupted launched them with vicious delta-v. He was focused on the beeping alarms and trying to help hold things together. So focused, in fact, that he forgot for the moment to be angry with the insubordination that was flaring up. Again, a real command officer would have handled it better, had a plan, and gotten them out of there. But they only had Bob. Just as he was starting to help McLaren get things under control, the drones beamed in. He heard the transporter hum... *knew* what it must be, yet he lost a precious moment frozen with disbelief. McLaren, Raschen, Maddox, and the rest all reacted rapidly. With the exception of Raschen and Shea however, they were acting as individuals. It was an every person for themselves situation at the moment. Close contact -- extremely close -- with Borg drones would perhaps always be so. Bob managed to get his phaser into play, just *after* they had adapted. He laid a short and ineffective burst of phaser fire into the back of the nearest drone. It ignored both he and the weapon impact, seeming to be intent on something else entirely. A single drone was headed in Shea’s direction. The last thing they needed now was to have the pilot assimilated. With all the strength in his wiry frame, he launched a vicious drop kick at the drone’s back. He didn’t even slow it down. Just as he rolled clear, the distinctive humming of disruptor fire was loud and close in the small cabin. Both the drone he had attacked and another crumpled in lifeless heaps. There stood Raschen, looking for all the world like some ancient western gunslinger, disruptor pistol in each hand. All that was missing was the gunpowder smoke. He barely had time to acknowledge Raschen when he heard a strangled croak from his friend Matt. He heard his name being called out, and he whirled in time to see McLaren suspended off the deck by a drone, and just as quickly his body became as limp as a puppet with its strings severed. It was obscene, grotesque... and it made Lorimar very angry. With a scream of primal rage, Bob grabbed the nearest solid object -- a piece of heavy waveguide that had been blown from the bulkhead when one of the overloads occurred -- and swung it with all his strength. He felt it connect and shatter the drone’s skull with a sickening crunch, just as the remaining drones beamed out with their victims. His futile act of rage was cathartic, to a degree, in that it allowed him to clear his head of emotion and resume his heavy burden. The artificial gravity failed, as he was about to get back to his console. Fortunately he was close enough to grab on and guide himself into the seat and the planets gravitational field soon replaced that of the runabout. Much of anything he could say would be superfluous at this point, so he did what the rest of the survivors did: Hung on for dear life. His last brief conscious thought was of the pain as his face smashed into the console before him when the crash came. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma-1147) Ben looked up from his console as Captain Salid and Sanok stepped onto the Bride, he was relieved to see them back safely aboard the Rose. Salid wasted no time on pleasantries or even formalities but straight to the point. "MisterSoma," he said as he stepped onto the bridge, "What's the tactical situation?" "The runabout was grabbed by a tractor beam from the Borg Pyramid." Ben explained. "We launched a probe at the beams origin hoping that it would break the runabout free. It appears that the crew was also trying to break free of the beam, once the probe interrupted it the runabout accelerated out of control. With the readings I managed to take before the probe was destroyed it looks like the runabout was headed for the planet." The Captain then turned to Jackson for an update.Ben stole a glance at his friend and gave a quick nod welcoming him back aboard. After Jackson made his report the Captain turned to Sullivan who didn't have much to offer in the way of hope, for all intents and purposes the runabout and its crew were lost. The Captain issued orders to his crew, the time for action had come. "MisterSanok. I want you to assemble a rescue and recovery team. Yourself, Candle, Ichijo, O'Neill, and any other security you deem necessary. You'll have to insert via shuttlecraft, the interference is still too great to use transporters. I want your team briefed and ready to move inside twenty-five minutes. You'll be in command. Time is essential." Sanok was in command of the rescue operation. Then Salid turned his attention back at Ben. "MisterSoma. I want you to coordinate with Jacobs on the Boudicca. Commander Lorimar was building an antimatter mine. I want you, Jacobs, Signos, Jackson, Matrix, Narvak, Caliel and any other personnel you deem necessary to prepare an operation to destroy the object of the Borg's attention. Once we have the away team recovered or determined that they are non-recoverable, Your team will be deploying the antimatter mine to destroy the Tkon sphere. We'll need to time it closely so you're team will need to be on the ground at the same time that the Rescue team is underway. You'll be in command of that team. I will give Mister Jackson the Arming codes. You'll have to use a runabout as well, but you'll need to use the Lorimar on the Boudicca. It's the only one big enough to move the Mine safely." Ben had been given command of a strike force, it was up to him and his team to destroy that which the Borg were seeking to find. "Aye Sir." Ben replied as he sent a message to the Boud. { Jacobs have yourself Signos and Caliel prep the Lorimar for the transportation of the antimatter mine. A team from the Rosenante will be beaming over shortly to assist.} He hit the transmit key and sent his short message off. Hitting his com badge he stated. "Soma to Lieutenant Matrix and Ensign Narvak meet me in transporter 2 in ten minutes. Bring engineering and science kits along with your side arms." Turning to Jackson he said. "Shall we Lieutenant." (reply Jacobs, Signos, Caliel, Matrix, Narvak, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 1148) Salid said, "Mister Sanok, I want you to assemble a rescue and recovery team. Yourself, Candle, Ichijo, O'Neill, and any other security you deem necessary. You'll have to insert via shuttlecraft; the interference is still too great to use transporters. I want your team briefed and ready to move inside twenty-five minutes. You'll be in command. Time is essential." "Yes, sir," said Sanok, turning immediately. He saw Ben and their eyes met. He nodded to his friend, and in case this was the last time they would ever see each other, he quickly raised his hand and gave the Vulcan greeting of prosperity and long life. "Mister O'Neill, you're with me." Stopping at his tactical station, Sanok sent a message to the Boudicca for Candle to board the Rosenante and meet in the transporter room for their mission. He moved to the turbolift and rode with O'Neill. Sanok began thinking about the specifics of the mission. He could bring more security with him, but he wondered if he should, and if so, how many. Aside from bringing the entire ship compliment of security personnel, they would be outnumbered by the Borg drones anyway, so would several more security people even matter? A smaller team would have a better chance of remaining undetected. On the other hand, several more would help, especially if they were from an elite unit. He tapped his comm badge. "Sanok to Rosenbaur. I need you and one other member of your team, to report immediately to the transporter room for a rescue mission. We'll be in direct conflict with the Borg, so bring the appropriate gear for such a mission." Closing his comm signal, Sanok addressed O'Neill. "It looks like we're really in for it now." (reply O'Neill, Rosenbaur, any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1149*) Noise. Everywhere around him, there was noise. He couldn't concentrate with everyone screaming, but he couldn't find his voice to tell them to pipe down. Their systems were failing, systems were sparking and exploding, the runabout was flipping around in space, and Joseph was trying to concentrate on the probe readings. Before he knew it, they were free of the tractor beam. And being boarded by Borg. Joseph froze. He was trained to act. His mind told him exactly what he needed to do--draw his phaser, start firing. Fight hand to hand. Do SOMETHING. But all he could do was sit there at his console, stock-still. Everyone else did the work for him as the Borg were disabled. But it was out of the frying pan and into the fire. They were on a collision course with the planet. ~Do something, Joseph!~ he commanded himself, but he still couldn't move. He couldn't speak. Things were so loud...everywhere around him, the systems flashing and exploding, the remaining people on board shouting orders, his console reading the probe's telemetry and asking for more scanning coordinates...he squinted, his breathing increasing in frequency. ~I'm having a panic attack,~ he realized. He hadn't had panic attacks since he was a young boy, when things got too loud. When there were too many people talking at a time. He had received training, he knew how to handle this...he had gotten through Academy scenarios just like this! ~What is WRONG with me?~ He couldn't get control of himself. But it didn't matter that he couldn't will himself to do anything, because there was nothing he could have done anyway. The next thing he knew, the ship impacted and he was thrown from his seat into the ceiling, tossed around the cabin like a rag doll. It happened so quickly that Joseph had no idea where he was even headed next. His head collided with the edge of something, and he was out. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, 2O/COPS Lieutenant Tom Jackson -1151 Day 4) Tom listened to the various instructions given out. He wondered how many of the two teams would be around in the next twenty four hours? He wasn't much of a scientist and yet he was given the task of activating the anti-matter device. Tom Jackson suspected Captain Salid had more in mind than simply in putting a code to activate the mine. Ben Soma was in charge of the team. Ben was a good man as evidenced by the past few months. Tom agreed mentally with the CO's choice. Ben turned to Jackson and said "Shall we Lieutenant?". Tom rose but Captain Salid interrupted with "Mister Soma, Lieutenant Jackson will join you aboard the Boudicca shortly. I need to brief him on the go codes for the mine." Ben answered and left for the Transporter Room. Jackson replied "Aye Sir". --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Main Engineering - CEO, Lt. Matrix, 1152*) "Peter, the new computer core upgrade has been completed and Chief Fiocchi will start to rebalance the processor cores if she hasn't done so already. I've put her in charge of completing the process. You know she's up for a promotion and she deserves more responsibility." said Matrix. Peter Cohen smiled, "I know...the entire technical crew really respects her...she's really good. I was shocked when she didn't make SCPO the last time." replied Cohen. Matrix smirked, "I think that was a political move if you ask me. She wasn't involved with the snafu aboard the space station, just part of their crew at the time of the incident. She's dedicated, extremely knowledgeable and worthy of that promotion...and I'll do everything I can to see to it she gets it this round." said Matrix. "So...give me a rundown on the spiral drive enhancements you've been working on. Are we ready yet?" asked Matrix. Lieutenant Cohen smiled, "We should have a few surprised if need be Chief. I think so." said Cohen. "Soma to Lieutenant Matrix and Ensign Narvak meet me in transporter 2 in ten minutes. Bring engineering and science kits along with your side arms." said the voice over the comm channel. Matrix paused and sighed. "There goes the perfect day." Matrix grinned. =^= Matrix...acknowledged. Transporter Two in 10 minutes. =^= "Peter you're in charge of engineering while I'm away. You know the priorities. Good luck." said Matrix as he slung his EDC bag over his shoulder. "Good luck Chief...I'll keep things together, just watch your back." said Cohen. (Reply none, any) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1153) His eyes opened slowly. There was a fire nearby...he could smell the smoke. He couldn't feel his left arm. There was a terrible pain in his side, and his left leg was badly burned. He felt like he was on fire, but after a quick inspection, he determined that was not the case. His head felt like there was something on top of it, it was so heavy and awkward to move. His left arm was dislocated, he discovered, as he sat up carefully. He cried out, the pain from his broken ribs hitting him as soon as he moved. He was able to drag himself to his feet and look around for others in the runabout. He spotted Lt. Raschen, and made his way over to the man. "Sir..." he started, and collapsed down to one knee. "Are you okay?" ~None of us are okay, Joseph,~ he thought to himself. ~We're on a planet surrounded by Borg, about to be assimilated.~ (reply Chance) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1155) T'Larah had thought about calling the bridge to attention at Captain Salid's entrance. If there was one thing T'Larah had learned with working with Ahmed is that he probably didn't want to be interrupted with a courtesy in the type of situation they were in. She stood however once she heard the door's activation, and waited to be acknowledged. He turned to Sullivan, "Anything else to report commander? Any other detectable change in the Borg's activities." "The Borg have resumed activities on the planet, however the beam is no longer active. The interference is still great, however as Mister Jackson stated we do not have a fix on the runabout or the missing crew members." she reported. (Reply Captain Salid) "That, sir is because there are so many in such a confined area that we can pick up their signatures. The coordinates correlate with the object we detected when they ceased the excavating beam." (Reply Captain Salid, room for questions) The Captain pondered only momentarily and then issued orders for two teams, one to rescue the downed survivors, another to take away the object of the Borg avarice. After the orders were issued, T'Larah made a point of fact interjection. "Sir, if I may. The Borg pyramid has a tractor beam with an operational range near that of our phaser banks, both teams should keep well away from either Borg vessel in case the cube has been out-fitted too." (Reply Salid, any on Bridge) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1156*) "Mister Soma, Lieutenant Jackson will join you aboard the Boudicca shortly. I need to brief him on the go codes for the mine." Salid said. Ben nodded and replied. "Of course Captain." He mentally yelled at himself for over looking the matter concerning the mines arming codes. Jackson needed to be briefed on the codes so he could arm and detonate the antimatter mine. There was a small matter that gnawed at the back of his mind, why had he been given command when the was another officer on the team more qualified and of a higher rank. Guess Captain Salid had his reasons and it wasn't Ben's place to question the order. He headed off the bridge towards transporter room with a side track in mind. He quickly entered his quarters and picked up tanto he had replicated sometime ago, the Borg could adapt to an energy weapon but he doubted they could adapt to a blade. He slipped the weapon into his boot and pulled his pants leg down over it, he hoped he wouldn't have to resort to using it but it was better to be prepared. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 1157*) Bob opened his eyes slowly, as his mental processes were starting to come back. He moved experimentally, and it seemed he was not badly injured. He could taste blood in his mouth, and feel the warm stickness on his face, but he was able to sit up from the deck and move to a crouch. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and began the squint through the smoky atmosphere in the crashed ship. He raised his voice enough to be heard throughout the remarkably intact cabin. “Is anyone hurt badly? Sound off if ye can hear me!” (Reply Crash survivors) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1158) "The Borg have resumed activities on the planet, however the beam is no longer active. The interference is still great, however as Mister Jackson stated we do not have a fix on the runabout or the missing crew members." she reported. "But we can tell that there are a few hundred Borg Drones on the surface, commander?" Salid asked. "That, sir is because there are so many in such a confined area that we can pick up their signatures. The coordinates correlate with the object we detected when they ceased the excavating beam." "I see." He replied and thought for a few moments. He then issued his orders. After the orders were issued, T'Larah made a point of fact interjection. "Sir, if I may?" She asked. Ahmed nodded. " The Borg pyramid has a tractor beam with an operational range near that of our phaser banks, both teams should keep well away from either Borg vessel in case the cube has been out-fitted too." "Agreed. Have Soma and Sanok keep that in mind when developing their plan. I think that the Rosenante and the Boudicca may end up running interference for the away missions. I think that we can draw off the cube long enough for the teams to insert themselves into the planet's atmosphere. Once inside the interference should help them avoid detection by the Borg until it is too late." (reply Sullivan) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1158.5) "Shall we Lieutenant?" Soma asked Jackson. "Mister Soma, Lieutenant Jackson will join you aboard the Boudicca shortly. I need to brief him on the go codes for the mine." (reply Soma) "Mister Jackson you're with me in the ready Room. Mister Sullivan notify the Boudicca to stand by for Tactical action. Tell Captain Durand that I will in contact shortly detailing the Boudicca's combat mission." (reply Jackson, Sullivan) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar- Lt Chance Raschen- 1159) Raschen was bloodied pretty badly. His nose was broken, and a head injury were the blood was starting to dry. Chance was in the process of tying a tourniquet around his leg from where he got stabbed through his right leg by a piece of flying debris. Off to the side, Raschen noticed one of the science guys started to move. It looked like Willowbrook was favoring his left arm as if it was dislocated. The old privateer watched the kid as he suddenly cried out. He was able to drag himself to his feet and look around for others in the runabout. He spotted Lt. Raschen, and made his way over to the man. "Sir..." he started, and collapsed down to one knee. "Are you okay?" Chance snickered in the young man's direction as he wiped some blood off of his face with the back of his hand, wincing when he bumped his broken nose. "Kid, considering the circumstances, this is about as good as it gets right now." After standing up, Raschen grabbed hold of Willowbrook's good arm, pulling him up to his feet and leaned him against the nearest console. "Wait here" Chance said sarcastically, smiling to the ensign as if he had a lot of choice. (Reply Willowbrook) The lieutenant reached over to the bulkhead and pulled down the First-Aid kit. He pulled out the medical tricorder and pointed it at the young scientist. "Well, I can help with the dislocated arm. The ribs are another story." (Reply Willowbrook iyw) Chance then lined Willowbrook's arm up so he could jar it back into place. "Kid, I ain't gonna blow smoke up your butt. This is gonna hurt like hell.". Raschen took measure of the look on Joseph's face. (Reply Willowbrook iyw) "Now relax, close your eyes, take two or three deep breaths and let me know when you are ready." After Joe's first relaxing breath, Raschen slammed the arm back into place without any warning. (Reply Willowbrook) Both men turned to face the direction from which they heard the sounds of movement as LCDR Lorimar began to sit up from the deck and move to a crouch with dried blood on his face as well. Raschen watched the engineer as he wiped his eyes with his sleeve and began the squint through the smoky atmosphere in the crashed ship. He raised his voice enough to be heard throughout the remarkably intact cabin. “Is anyone hurt badly? Sound off if ye can hear me!” Chance just shook his head and replied with "Its about time you sounded off like you got a pair." Struggling, Holly sat up and replied. "I think I have cracked ribs Commander". (Reply Lorimar) Raschen then handed the tricorder to Willowbrook saying "run a med scan on him while I get him to his feet." Walking over to Lorimar and authoritatively gripping the front of his uniform in both hands, Raschen hauled the crouching man onto his feet and held him there. "What's the survey say?" He asked the junior man running the scan. (Reply Willowbrook) "Well Commander, none the worse for wear. Congratulations.". Raschen stated matter of factly. Then facing the Willowbrook "Take Holly, the tricorder and do med-scans on the rest and get accountability of the crew. Splint fractures, bandage cuts and apply tourniquets if necessary. If they are knocked-out but otherwise unharmed, adjust their position so they can breath better but let them snooze. Anyone starts to come to help them get oriented and then put them to work helping with the others. If you got it; then move out." (Reply Willowbrook) With a fire in his eyes, Raschen focused on Lorimar. "We Need to Talk." He said as he roughly 'towed' the other man with him through the doorway to the next compartment. The door didn't have the power to close again. The lieutenant dragged the lieutenant commander around the corner, out of view of anyone in the cockpit, and slammed him hard against the bulkhead and then held him there. (Reply Lorimar iyw) "How dare YOU endanger the lives of everyone onboard with your indecision! What the hell was going through your head? I know what was coming out of your mouth. The Damn Steps to Problem Solving!" (Reply Lorimar iyw) "You remember that creed we all had to memorize? Remember the part about 'I will take appropriate action in the absence of orders'?" (Reply Lorimar iyw) "You weren't issuing any freaking orders. I even tried to get you to ask for recommendations. Hell, I even offered up ideas. And all to be ignored in favor of your mental 'blue screen of death' were nothing happens but the recitation of the problem solving steps." (Reply Lorimar iyw) (Reply Willowbrook, Lorimar iyw) Posted by Charlie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2O / COPS, Day 4 1201) Tom had moved back to OPs after T'Larah had re-assumed command. Captain Salid and Lieutenant Sanok arrived. The CO asked Ben Soma for a tactical update. Soma outlined what had just occurred. Salid turned to Jackson and asked "Mister Jackson, Do we have a status on the Runabout then? Where is she and what is her status?" Tom consulted his readouts taking in their contents before answering. "The Lorimar managed to escape the tractor beam. She took a pounding from the Borg weapons" Tom paused again consulting his readouts before continuing his report. "She has crash landed about 4 kilometers north of the main excavation site and appears to be intact Sir" Tom reported. (Reply CO, FO) Anticipating a question about the Borg's interest in the downed shuttle, Jackson added "There appears no increased Borg activity in that sector sirs" T.J. reported. (Reply any on Bridge) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room , Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 1205) Ahmed and Jackson stepped into the ready room with a sense of purpose and determination created as a result of a terrible situation. The captain rounded his desk and reached down to pick up a PADD. He then entered a code into it and handed it to Jackson. "These are the arming and triggering codes for the Antimatter mine, lieutenant." He began, "Memorize them. They will not be stored anywhere once you've done so. I can't risk the Borg getting them." (reply Jackson) "Now for your orders and an explanation." The captain continued. "I placed Soma in command of this team because I need you to stay focused on one thing only, Lieutenant. The successful deployment of this mine. Your mission is to deploy this mine at, near or inside the Tkon sphere and to detonate it with the purpose of destroying the sphere with the intent to deny it to the Borg. There is no other mission for you. Every member of your away team is expendable to this result. I don't know what that device is, but I know that it poses a huge threat to the Federation. I need someone that I know will carry out their mission in this regards without hesitation even for the safety of the others in the away team. I need you to be able to detonate that mine even if it means you'll kill every single member of both away teams. Under no circumstances can the Borg achieve their mission. Billions of lives depend on your ability to complete your objective. Do you understand me?" "Once you arm the device it will be detectable to the Borg. You will have ten minutes before it's ready to be detonated. Your firing codes can be set on delay for up to ten minutes or they can be set for immediate triggering of the device. I trust you to use whichever would best serve the mission." (reply Jackson) "Can you handle this Tom?" (reply Soma, Sullivan, Jackson) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room , Lieutenant Tom Jackson, Day 4 1209) The captain rounded his desk and reached down to pick up a PADD. He then entered a code into it and handed it to Jackson. "These are the arming and triggering codes for the Anti matter mine, Lieutenant." He began, "Memorize them. They will not be stored anywhere once you've done so. I can't risk the Borg getting them." "Understood" Jackson simply replied. Salid continued his instructions "Now for your orders and an explanation." The captain continued. "I placed Soma in command of this team because I need you to stay focused on one thing only, Lieutenant. The successful deployment of this mine. Your mission is to deploy this mine at, near or inside the Tkon sphere and to detonate it with the purpose of destroying the sphere with the intent to deny it to the Borg. There is no other mission for you. Every member of your away team is expendable to this result. I don't know what that device is, but I know that it poses a huge threat to the Federation. I need someone that I know will carry out their mission in this regards without hesitation even for the safety of the others in the away team. I need you to be able to detonate that mine even if it means you'll kill every single member of both away teams. Under no circumstances can the Borg achieve their mission. Billions of lives depend on your ability to complete your objective. Do you understand me?" Tom took some deep breaths before giving his reply. "I understand completely Sir" Jackson replied. (Reply: Captain iyw) Ahmed continued - "Once you arm the device it will be detectable to the Borg. You will have ten minutes before it's ready to be detonated. Your firing codes can be set on delay for up to ten minutes or they can be set for immediate triggering of the device. I trust you to use whichever would best serve the mission." "I understand Sir" Jackson again answered. The two men looked into each others eyes for a moment that seemed to last forever. Ahmed Salid quietly asked Tom the question Jackson knew would come the day he had been made 2O of the Rosenante - "Can you handle this Tom?" Jackson looked at his friend and simply "Yes" (Reply: Ahmed) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Transporter Room 2, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1210*) Ben entered the transporter room and addressed the officers assembled there. "We've been tasked with destroying the Tkon Sphere. We're deploying from the Boudicca in a Lorimar Runabout carrying an antimatter mine, Lieutenant Jackson will join us shortly. He has the codes necessary to carry out our objectives so keep an eye on him once we're planet side. Jacobs, Signos and Caliel are preparing the runabout as we speak. Lieutenant Matrix I want you you examine the mine once we're aboard, I'm sure the Boud's engineers have everything in order but I'd like you to give it a once over just to be safe." Ben said. We'll be on the surface at the same time as the rescue team, timing is going to be tight on this one." He continued. "Previous reports state that the Borg will ignore us untill they perceive us as a threat, once we plant the mine they are going to consider us the biggest threat they ever encountered. Our modified phasers will allow us a couple shots at most from each hand phaser, make them count." (reply Matrix, Narvak, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Ensign Maria Holly - Day 4 1211) Maria awoke to a searing pain coming from her left side. Taking a few tentative breaths, she realized besides the cuts and bruises, she had cracked ribs. Struggling, she sat up and replied. "I think I have cracked ribs Commander". (Reply: Cmdr Lorimar) The rest of the team seemed in fair shape. At least no one was dead as yet. The shuttle was a mess. She was not a pilot but the Lorimer looked down for the count to her. "Orders Sir?" someone asked weakly. (Reply: LCDR Lorimar) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------